Sound of Silence

Megan Peacock Coyle (left) and Kim Cleland are bringing back an appreciation of silent cinema. Photo/George Novak

Baycourt is a hub for silent films in the Bay, helped by the accompanying Mighty Wurlitzer organ. Bring the family down for a bit of film history when Charlie Chaplin's The Circus plays on August 19

One of the best ways to experience the full force of the Mighty Wurlitzer organ is to watch a silent film at Baycourt.

This year's Silent Cinema screening is Charlie Chaplin's The Circus, with a 1920s circus theme for the night which includes circus fun for the family, candy floss, popcorn and circus acts on the Baycourt lawn and in the foyer before the movie starts.

Now into its third year, each edition of Silent Cinema sees Baycourt fitted out in 1920s theme and each screening features accompaniment from organist Ron Clark, playing the Mighty Wurlitzer.

Silent Cinema came out of a conversation between Baycourt's manager, Megan Peacock Coyle, and Night Owl Cinema founder Kim Cleland. They wanted to maximise the use of the Wurlitzer.

"To see the organ twirl out of the stage and have the music accompany the film is an awe inspiring experience," says Kim. "You get so swept up in the film you forget there is somebody playing the live score and making all the sound effects. Seeing the organ pipes which are built into the walls of Baycourt in action feels like a very special opportunity - we have loved being involved!"

Megan says The Circus is a family-friendly show and a great way to introduce children to a bit of film history.

"Silent Cinema is always an amazing and really fun show, and what's been really cool for us here at Baycourt is seeing the number of people turning up, plus the buzz and excitement around each event, growing from year to year.

"Baycourt is now a hub for silent films in the Bay of Plenty; not only are we involved in presenting Silent Cinema but we're also running the Young Filmmakers Workshops, which are part of the New Zealand Regionals International Youth Silent Film Festival, during the July school holidays.

"We're also looking to collaborate with Opus Orchestra on a silent film event in December, so watch this space."

Night Owl and Baycourt are giving one lucky person and their friend the chance to be pampered like a 1920s film star, with two VIP experiences to be given away. The VIP experiences will see the winners dressed up by Bay Costume Hire, have their makeup applied by Tauranga makeup artist Desiree Osterman, and be chauffeured to the event in a Bay of Plenty Vintage Car Club vehicle. For how to enter the draw, visit Night Owl Cinema's Facebook page, facebook.com/NightOwlCinema.

the fine print
*What: Night Owl and Baycourt present Silent Cinema - Charlie Chaplin's The Circus
*Where: Baycourt
*When: Saturday, August 19. Event starts 4pm, screening at 5pm
*Tickets: Baycourt or www.ticketek.co.nz

The Circus
The Circus (1928) was written, directed and starred by Charlie Chaplin.
It is about a penniless and hungry Tramp (Chaplin) who is mistaken for a deplorable pickpocket and chased by not only the police - but the real crook too. As he flees, the Tramp stumbles into the middle of a circus performance and unknowingly becomes the star of the show. The ringmaster hires him as a clown, but discovers he can only be unintentionally funny.